Karnataka to train 1.55 lakh teachers for bilingual model

Karnataka is set to fully implement its bilingual education model across government schools from the 2026-27 academic year, marking a significant shift in primary education. The initiative will see approximately 1.55 lakh government primary school teachers undergo specialized training in English language teaching, conducted by the Department of State Educational Research and Training (DSERT).

The programme aims to strengthen Kannada-English teaching frameworks for students in Classes 1 to 5, teaching English as a complementary language alongside the mother tongue. Bilingual classes are already operational in select districts and will now expand statewide.

This policy was part of the Congress party's 2023 election manifesto and follows recommendations by a committee led by Sukhadeo Thorat, former UGC Chairman. Training will focus on activity-based and practical teaching methods at the district level.

Meanwhile, the government's decision to replace marks with grades for third language subjects, including Hindi, in SSLC examinations faces legal challenge through a PIL filed in Karnataka High Court, citing lack of expert consultation.